On Monday, November 24 at 9 p.m. ET, tune in to PBS for A More Perfect Union: Inspiring Civic & Civil Conversations Across America—a one-hour special filmed at the National Constitution Center. Produced by WETA, this powerful program brings together Ken Burns and Sarah Botstein, co-directors of the new major documentary series The American Revolution, and Yuval Levin of the American Enterprise Institute, in conversation with National Constitution Center President and CEO Jeffrey Rosen and Melody Barnes, executive director of the University of Virginia’s Karsh Institute of Democracy, for an inspiring discussion about liberty, equality, democracy, and the enduring relevance of America’s founding ideals. Learn more | |
Debate at America’s Town Hall
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Declaring Independence: Why 1776 Still Matters
Monday, November 24 | Noon ET
Pulitzer Prize–winning historian Edward Larson discusses his newest book, Declaring Independence: Why 1776 Still Matters. This book traces the idea of American independence in one pivotal year—1776—and explores why this year continues to hold significance today.
Jeffrey Rosen, president and CEO of the National Constitution Center, moderates. Learn more
| | This program is generously sponsored by Citizen Travelers, the nonpartisan civic engagement initiative of Travelers. | |
Amending the Constitution and the Article V Project
Wednesday, December 3 | Noon ET
Join the National Constitution Center for the launch of its Article V Project, a new initiative exploring the founders’ vision for Article V and an historical look at the use of the Article V process from 1789 to the present. Project contributors and constitutional law experts Gerard Magliocca, Sanford Levinson, Michael Rappaport, and Stephen Sachs explore the origins, debates, and ongoing challenges surrounding Article V, as presented in their new essays.
Jeffrey Rosen, president and CEO of the National Constitution Center, moderates. Learn more
| | This program is presented in conjunction with the Article V Project, made possible by Democracy Restated. | |
Native American Heritage Month
November 1–November 30
In celebration of Native American Heritage Month, the National Constitution Center is hosting a series of programs and activities highlighting the history of Native Americans, tribal governments, and their relationship to the U.S. Constitution and American democracy. Learn more
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Friday Family Fun Night
Friday, November 7 | 5–8 p.m.
Join us for a night of 1787-themed family fun at the National Constitution Center! Go back in time to the year the Constitution was signed and experience 18th-century-themed crafts and activities that are educational and engaging for the whole family. All activities are free with your ticket purchase. This program is best suited for children ages 6-12. Learn more
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Veterans Day
Tuesday, November 11 | 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
In honor of Veterans Day, the National Constitution Center recognizes the dedication and sacrifices of the brave people who have answered the Constitution’s call to “provide for the common defence.” Museum admission is free for active duty and retired U.S. military personnel, as well as U.S. military veterans, on November 11. Learn more
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Thanksgiving Weekend
Friday, November 28–Sunday, November 30
Over Thanksgiving weekend, the National Constitution Center invites visitors to celebrate with a variety of special programs and activities. Visitors can explore the history of this national holiday as they learn about the Wampanoag people who lived in what is now New England, as well as the historic meal they shared with European settlers in 1621 and the events leading up to the harvest feast that year. Learn more
Please note that the museum will be closed on Thanksgiving Day—Thursday, November 27.
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What the Founders Meant by "Happiness:" A Journey Through Virtue and Character
In partnership with Arizona State University, the National Constitution Center will debut a groundbreaking new online course in early 2026.
What the Founders Meant by “Happiness”: A Journey Through Virtue and Character will guide learners through the philosophical foundations of the American experiment, drawing on classical ideas of virtue, character, and happiness that shaped the nation’s founding and continue to inform civic life today. The course is designed to be fully open and self-paced and will feature an optional certificate of completion for learners—including educators seeking professional learning credentials. Learn more
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Online Resources to Commemorate Veterans Day
Live From the Museum: Women Veterans in World War I
Monday, November 10 | Noon
As we celebrate Veterans Day, join a museum educator live in The 19th Amendment: How Women Won the Vote. Together, we will explore how American women served their country during World War I as yeomen in the U.S. Navy and members of the U.S. Army Signal Corps, while others continued the fight for voting rights on the home front. Learn more
Thank-A-Vet Postcards
Send a message of thanks to a U.S. veteran through our partnership with the Thank-A-Vet program. Download one of our postcards or design one of your own, then mail your completed postcards to the National Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, where they will be distributed to veterans through the Thank-A-Vet program. Learn more
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The History of Thanksgiving
Grab a seat at the table as we talk turkey! We’ll explore the history of Thanksgiving—from the first Thanksgiving menu to recent presidential turkey pardons. Join us as we learn what this holiday is all about. Watch now
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The Atlantic: The Insurrection Problem
by Jeffrey Rosen | Read time: 12 minutes
“Shays’s Rebellion filled Alexander Hamilton with dread. In 1786, armed men shut down courts in five counties across Massachusetts and, early the next year, marched on the federal armory in Springfield. …” Read more
The Wall Street Journal: Americans Have Always Argued About Presidential Term Limits
by Jeffrey Rosen | Read time: 6 minutes
“Trump’s talk about a possible third term highlights a debate that stretches from Jefferson and Hamilton to the presidential ambitions of both Roosevelts. …” Read more
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Native Nations: From Ancient Cities to Today
Run time: 59 minutes
In celebration of Native American Heritage Month, award-winning historian Kathleen DuVal discusses her new book, Native Nations: A Millennium in North America, tracing a thousand years of Native history—from the rise of ancient cities and the arrival of Europeans to today’s ongoing fights for sovereignty. Thomas Donnelly, chief scholar of the National Constitution Center, moderates. Watch now
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The Pursuit of Liberty: A Book Launch Event With Jeffrey Rosen and Jeffrey Goldberg
Run time: 1 hour, 6 minutes
National Constitution Center President and CEO Jeffrey Rosen and The Atlantic Editor-in-Chief Jeffrey Goldberg discuss Rosen’s new book, The Pursuit of Liberty: How Hamilton vs. Jefferson Ignited the Lasting Battle Over Power in America. The book explores how the opposing constitutional views of Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton have defined the nation since its founding. Watch now
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Alexander Hamilton: Closet Monarchist or Visionary Nationalist?
Run time: 1 hour, 9 minutes
This episode is a two-part show on Alexander Hamilton. First, in a new episode of the podcast Pursuit: The Founders’ Guide to Happiness, Jeffrey Rosen, historian Stephen Knott, and filmmaker Ken Burns unpack Hamilton’s life and legacy to see what lessons he can teach us about restraint. Then, Jeffrey Rosen and acclaimed historian and biographer Ron Chernow further explore the meteoric rise, inspiring life, and tragic death of Hamilton in a conversation from the NCC’s 2025 Liberty Medal Ceremony. Listen now
The Dinner Party that Defined America
Run time: 1 hour, 4 minutes
In this bonus episode, we’re sharing a live conversation with Jeffrey Rosen, Joanne Freeman, George F. Will, and Sean Wilentz exploring Rosen’s new book: The Pursuit of Liberty: How Hamilton vs. Jefferson Ignited the Lasting Battle Over Power in America. Their conversation explores how the opposing constitutional visions of Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton have defined the nation since its founding and continued to drive today’s debates over the balance between liberty and power. Listen now
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Sincerity with Phillis Wheatley
Run time: 32 minutes
In 1773, Phillis Wheatley became the first African American to publish a book in English. Her poems show a deep understanding of previous poets, a drive to represent herself and her world in the printed page, and a belief in equality. Jeffrey Rosen, Professor David Waldstreicher and Ken Burns explore how her life highlights the importance of acting with sincerity, no matter how many people may be against you. Listen now
Resolution with George Washington
Run time: 32 minutes
George Washington’s defining leadership quality is that he fulfilled his promise to relinquish power after the conclusion of both the Revolutionary War and his second presidential term. Jeffrey Rosen speaks with Ken Burns and Washington biographer Ed Larson about the importance of keeping your word and letting go. Listen now
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Supreme Court showdown on tariffs shaping up as landmark case
by Scott Bomboy | Read time: 5 minutes
“On Nov. 5, 2025, the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in a case that may decide the fate of President Donald Trump’s tariff policy. In Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump, consolidated with Trump v. V.O.S. Selections, the Justices will decide if a specific act of Congress allows the president to impose tariffs, and if the act itself unconstitutionally delegates legislative authority to the president. …” Read more
In the Supreme Court, whose facts count the most?
by Marcia Coyle | Read time: 3 minutes
“President Donald Trump wants to deploy troops in Chicago and Portland, cities that he has described as “war ravaged,” “burning down,” and “a war zone.” Two district court judges have disputed those descriptions, with one saying the administration’s depictions are “untethered from the facts.” Whose facts should you believe? …” Read more
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